A professor of Art History at Bamidele Olumilua University of Education, Science and
Technology, Ikere Ekiti, Olusola Ogunmola, has stated that universities owe it an obligation to make sure correct recording and transmission of cultural historical past to future generations.
Ogunmola spoke at Ikere Ekiti on Tuesday whereas delivering the eighth inaugural lecture of BOUESTI, titled, ‘Ancestral heritage at the crossroads: Restoring and safeguarding Egungun culture and modernity, religion and global change’.
The don additionally made a case for preservation of tradition by way of authorized and institutional frameworks to strengthen nationwide and neighborhood id.
The college instructor stated that his analysis centered on the potential means of bringing again Yoruba’s cultural values and conventional methods of life, almost forgotten as a result of modernity and the development of know-how.
He stated, “Cultural preservation depends upon the mixed efforts of academia, coverage makers and know-how.
“Academia performs a key position by researching and documenting cultural practices, educating cultural information in academic establishments, coaching specialists equivalent to archivists and curators and partnering with communities to interpret and safeguard traditions.
“Universities can function as custodians of intangible heritage by documenting performances, producing scholarly analysis and creating archives”.
The don, who described Egungun custom as one of essentially the most significant pillars of Yoruba cultural id and a robust cultural emblem that represents the id of the involved tradition, stated that regardless of trendy existence, new spiritual actions and international cultural influences, “Egungun nonetheless holds deep worth as a supply of historical past, morality and religious connection.
“The challenges facing the tradition are real, but they also present opportunities to rethink how cultural heritage can be protected without losing its authenticity,” the don stated.
Ogunmola, who stated that restoring Egungun heritage was not nearly saving a competition or masks, stated that safeguarding it “requires cooperation amongst custodians, students, policymakers and the youthful era.
“Communities should stay dedicated to educating the meanings behind the rituals, sustaining the integrity of performances and documenting practices for future generations.
“Modern tools such as digital archives, heritage education and preservation can strengthen preservation when used respectfully. Likewise, interreligious dialogue and cultural tolerance can reduce conflict and allow Egungun to exist peacefully alongside other belief systems”.
The don stated that restoring Egungun heritage was about “defending a residing connection to the ancestors, reinforcing neighborhood values and making certain that cultural information continues to information future generations.
“When tradition and modernity are balanced with wisdom, Egungun can survive, adapt and remain a powerful symbol of identity, continuity and cultural pride,” the professor stated.